Are you all over the place when it’s time to shop for clothing? Here are a few thoughts to help you define your style and curate a closet that’s all YOU…

Your Brand

It’s who you are and what you’re known for. You can read books and articles all day long about developing your brand personally, professionally, etc, but we are talking fashion on this blog. What are you known for wearing? When you think of your favorite outfits, or what you will be looking for on your next shopping trip, what does that entail? What does that say about you (aesthetically)? Decide what that is, and embrace it.

“On trend”

Just because something is on trend does NOT mean that you should wear it. Find inspiration from current trends and classic staples. When you find items you love, buy more of it. Pick and choose what trends fit your lifestyle. That sounds ridiculous to even have to mention, right? But people try to conform to what’s popular, and it ends up looking very random and ultimately uncomfortable. If Louis Vuitton himself gave me a pair of his Archlight sneakers, I wouldn’t wear them (albeit their current status in fashion).

Evaluate your closet.

Throw out clothing that you don’t like. Do you wear things to work that you don’t necessarily like? Items that make you feel “blah”? Get rid of them. You don’t need all new clothes. Buy a few new pieces that can be paired with what you already have. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t buy new things each season, mix and match, add a pair of leggings under a favorite dress, switch the heels for casual boots (something like this, perhaps?), add a pair of Spanx arm tights to a summer dress, and suddenly you a brand new look for Fall. These boots, for example, are obviously intended for winter, but I think I’m pulling off this spring look pretty well, don’t you?

Have a couple of go-to outfits.

Ones that you know you love, and you feel 100% comfortable in. Whether that be a little black dress, or that perfect pair of jeans & top… also know what accessories you love to pair with it. This will ensure that you never find yourself with “nothing to wear” or going out in something that you experimented with, and then regret as soon as you leave home. Don’t have time to shop for that wedding? Have a go-to dress. If you feel that it looks good on you, it will show.

“Repetition is reputation” – Aliza Licht

Take note of favorites on repeat and buy more of that style/cut/fabric/color palette. Stick with what you love. Perhaps one would think that I should experiment with athleisure. It’s super popular right now. All the fashion bloggers are wearing it. But is it me? Does it align with my brand? Nope.

If you like to dress in all gray, but you feel that you should try to switch it up and wear more color, not because you like color, but because you feel that you’re being boring, screw that. Wear gray every damn day and revel in it. Wear gray from head to toe. Be “extra” about it.

And add a signature touch. Are you known for your classic black pumps, red lipstick, or one necklace that you wear with everything? Keep it up.

Comparison is the thief of joy.

I have no idea who coined that phrase but it is more true than anything I’ve ever heard. Live by it. That being said, it’s okay to have role models or something to aspire to. Have goals. Have goals that are higher than anything you think that you could ever achieve. That way you’ll never get bored. And make sure that you dress the part to achieve said goals, making sure to curate the look to your individual style.

Who do you want to be that day?

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I can honestly say that I’ve looked around the room during a meeting and noticed that I am the only person wearing a statement necklace and stilettos, amongst a sea of suits. An oxford and black pants (although I do own many of each), just isn’t me. If an oxford with black pants is you, wear it well. Starch that shirt, buy it in every color, and make sure to find a brand that fits your body well. If you are confident, look the part and believe in who you are, or who you believe you should be, others will believe it too.

You may also enjoy:

Looking for a dress to wear to a wedding, date night or cocktail party this spring? I am loving the dark moody blooms you will find on an array of prints this year. “Florals? For spring? Ground-breaking.” Comment below if you know what book/movie character said that… I do like to switch it up a little bit though, while sticking with a classic theme. Enter: dark floral prints.

If you’re not all about pastels and the traditionally bright, happy prints this time of year, this look is for you (if you are looking for something in a sunny hue, this look may be for you). Spring is notorious for weddings, and this particular dress would be a perfect choice that could easily go from day to night. The black background and deep berry hues really help those lighter blooms to pop. Tell me that you wouldn’t be drawn to this dress if you saw someone wearing it at the next spring/midsummer night’s wedding? I certainly would.

I paired it with a classic emerald and diamond pendant, but you could go another direction and add a chunky statement necklace, perhaps in black or deep berry (suggestions linked below). I think it depends on how formal you want to style it. For the purse, a pastel pink clutch by Kate Spade brought the look together quite nicely.

The Spring 2018 Runways were lined with dark florals and retro inspired prints. What a nice reprieve from all the flannel this winter, am I right? Also, a perfect way for those who love to wear black to embrace a fresh spring look. These prints will also translate well to Fall with the addition of layers, tights, and jackets. There’s your excuse to invest in one or more… yay! Below are some of my picks. Cheers to love (and open bar)!

You may also enjoy:

If you search “birthday party ideas” on Pinterest, it will no doubtingly yield thousands of pins of children’s themed birthday parties. But what if you’re planning a birthday party for an adult, or (gasp!) yourself? I think that adult parties should be equally as celebrated. After all, we definitely appreciate them more.

My birthday was last week. I turned 34 (I know, I know, unbelievable, right?). Planning a party, or one for yourself for that matter, is as easy as cake. First, are you throwing the party at your house or simply arranging an evening out? If at your house, we can get into the weeds very quickly here… it all depends on how big you’re willing to go. My mother-in-law, for example, turned 70 two years ago and we threw her a fall themed celebration fit for a birthday queen. That’s another post all together… trust me, you’ll want to see that one. But for my 34th, it was a simple dinner out at The Southern Gentleman.

What about “goody bags”, or party favors? Again, the kids just don’t appreciate it as much as we do! Since my birthday was during Easter weekend, I chose to incorporate a little touch of Easter. I found these cute little gift bags at TJ Maxx. They measure 5″ x 6″. Next, I filled them with booze. What did you expect? Candy and stickers? I bought miniature bottles of sweet tea and peach vodkas, again, to keep with the southern theme. Also, a pack of Pedialyte – at the ripe old age of 34, I need all the hydration I can get. I get a hangover from a glass of wine now. Top it off with some Easter basket grass (or colored tissue paper if any other season), and voila!

When hosting your party at home, you don’t need to spend a fortune, or do a lot of work… host a wine and cheese night. You can put together a simple cheese and charcuterie board, pick up a few bottles of wine, and make sure there’s cake. Thanks, Trader Joes (this post is not in any way promoting “Two Buck Chuck”. If you bring that to my party, you are no friend of mine). Here are some ideas for putting together your own “goody bags” for the next birthday party that you host – whether it be for a loved one or yourself.